Matthew Stafford

After signing with the Los Angeles Rams last week, quarterback Carson Wentz suggested Friday that he will be ready to step in if called upon.

According to ESPN's Sarah Barshop, Wentz said the following about his role in L.A.: "I'll help in whatever way I can and I'm going to be ready. I don't have to worry about next year, I don't worry about the following years. I can just be where my feet are and have as much fun as I can and help as much as I can."

Rams starting quarterback Matthew Stafford missed the team's Week 9 loss to the Green Bay Packers due to a thumb injury, which pressed Brett Rypien into action.

The Rams signed Wentz after Rypien went 13-of-28 for 130 yards with no touchdowns and one interception, but with Stafford in line to start Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks, Wentz will serve as the backup.

The 30-year-old Wentz has had a unique career, and if he takes even a single snap with the Rams this season, he will have played for four different teams over the past four seasons.

Wentz was originally the No. 2 overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft out of North Dakota State by the Philadelphia Eagles, and he was seemingly on a path to greatness.

In just his second NFL season in 2017, Wentz was the MVP front-runner with 3,296 yards, 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions through 13 games, but a torn ACL cut his season short.

Veteran backup Nick Foles then shockingly led the Eagles to a Super Bowl win, giving Wentz a Super Bowl ring while out injured.

Wentz returned to his starting role the following season, but he was never quite the same, and after throwing 16 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in 12 games in 2020, he was replaced by Jalen Hurts.

The Eagles decided to move forward with Hurts as their starter, prompting them to trade Wentz to the Indianapolis Colts.

Wentz had a solid statistical season with the Colts in 2021, throwing for 3,563 yards, 27 touchdowns and seven picks, but he performed poorly down the stretch and the Colts missed the playoffs, resulting in them trading him to the Washington Commanders.

In his only season in Washington, Wentz bottomed out, as he went 2-5 as a starter and threw for 1,755 yards, 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

After going unsigned during the offseason and into the regular season, Wentz finally found a home with the Rams.

Given the success he has enjoyed at certain points in his career, he was likely the best insurance policy available should Stafford miss additional time.

Also, when Stafford was out last season, the Rams acquired former No. 1 overall draft pick Baker Mayfield, and he played well enough in head coach Sean McVay's offense to earn another starting opportunity with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this season.

If Wentz gets a chance to play this season, McVay could perhaps help him earn a job elsewhere next season as well.

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay told reporters on Monday that he expects Matthew Stafford to return from a thumb injury against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 11.

Stafford was reportedly able to throw the ball during individual drills in practice, according to ESPN's Sarah Barshop.

The 35-year-old injured his thumb at the end of the first half during the Rams' matchup with the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 29. He missed the team's following game before Los Angeles entered its bye during Week 10.

The Rams have struggled both with and without Stafford, currently in the midst of a three-game losing streak. This included a loss to the Green Bay Packers on Nov. 5, a game in which McVay's team mustered just three points as the Pro Bowl signal-caller was unable to play.

Los Angeles currently holds a 3-6 record, only good enough for third place in the AFC West. They're also 0-1 without Stafford

He's still a clear upgrade over backup Brett Rypien, and his return should help jump-start the Rams' offense. He's thrown for 2,070 yards in eight starts this year, recording eight touchdowns to go along with seven interceptions.

While his production hasn't been as exemplary as it was during the Rams' Super Bowl-winning 2021 campaign, his average of 258.8 passing yards per game still ranks 12th among all quarterbacks this season.

Los Angeles will also be getting additional help in the form of tackle Rob Havenstein and linebacker Ernest Jones, who have served as key starters throughout the past few years. They're both expected to return from injury against the Seahawks, per Stu Jackson of therams.com.

Despite boasting an impressive secondary that includes Jamal Adams and breakout rookie Devon Witherspoon, Seattle ranks 22nd in pass defense among NFL teams by allowing 238.3 yards per game through the air.

Although defeating the 6-3 Seahawks is no easy task, Stafford should be able to find a rhythm with star receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua in his first game back.

The Los Angeles Rams could see their starting quarterback return to the field following their bye week.

The Rams "remain optimistic" that veteran signal-caller Matthew Stafford will play a Week 11 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks despite nursing a thumb injury, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini.

Stafford was diagnosed with a torn UCL in his right thumb following a Week 8 loss to the Dallas Cowboys and missed L.A.'s Week 9 loss to the Green Bay Packers.

During an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show on Friday, Stafford said his thumb was feeling better and that he's doing everything he can to try and be ready for Week 11 against the Seahawks.

"Thumb's feeling better than I thought it would," he said. "I was a little bit scared in the Dallas game that it was going to be worse than it was and just happy it's not. I'm going to do everything I can to be out there. I love playing this game and love competing, so I'm going to do whatever I need to do to be out there."

Brett Rypien started in place of Stafford against the Packers, throwing for 130 yards with an interception and a fumble. Following that performance, the Rams signed Carson Wentz to serve as Stafford's backup moving forward.

Even with Stafford in the lineup, the Rams have been disappointing this season. They sit third in the NFC West with a 3-6 record and have little chance to make the postseason.

In eight games, Stafford has completed 59.7 percent of his passes for 2,070 yards and eight touchdowns against seven interceptions. He's on pace to have his worst season since he completed just 58.5 percent of his passes as a member of the Detroit Lions in 2013.

If Stafford is unable to play against the Seahawks, Wentz will likely see his first game action since Jan. 1.